Look Who's at the Lab: Sam Sprunt
In Look Who's at the Lab, we profile some of the hundreds of scientists who visit our lab every year.
Sam Sprunt
Job Title: Physics professor, Kent State University
Mag Lab user since: ~ 2005
Number of visits to lab: ~ 12
Dates of most recent experiment:
July 5 – 8, 2011
Your home is in: Hudson, Ohio
Distance traveled (from home to lab):
~ 1,552 miles
Research interests: The physics of soft materials (such as liquid crystals, polymers, nanofluids and membranes); structures and properties; phase transitions; optical measurements
Web site: http://www.kent.edu/CAS/Physics/people/~ssprunt/
E-mail: ssprunt@kent.edu
Title: Dynamic light scattering studies of bent-core liquid crystals in high magnetic fields.
Other participants: Jim Gleeson, physics professor, Kent State University
Synopsis of latest experiment, the first done in the 25 tesla Split Magnet system: The first experiment demonstrated the expected effect of high magnetic field on orientational fluxations in rod-like, bent-core crystals, and demonstrated the exceptional performance of the new split-helix magnet for light scattering experiments for angular ranges up to 40 degrees.
Facility: Resistive Magnet Cell 5
Equipment: Split-helix magnet system; argon-ion laser, conveyed by a single-mode, optical fiber from Cell 1 to Cell 5; detection system consisting of multiple optical fibers, photomultiplier tubes, amplifier discriminators, digital electronic correlator; temperature-controlled sample insert for high field.
Techniques: Dynamic light scattering
Q: What's the best thing about working at the lab?
A: "That's a hard question, because there are lots of things I like about the Magnet Lab. There's the tremendous support staff there and the great facilities — and that includes the equipment and instrument support — and it's a well run lab. The attitude of everyone there is to be really helpful."
Q: What you miss most about home when you're here:
A: "When you're at the Mag Lab, you're there the entire time and you're always fixing things. It's exciting, really. But I do miss the unpressured, relaxed environment of family and friends at home."
Q: What's the most unscientific thing about you?
A: "My appreciation for serendipity and luck, and how it affects your success or failure."
Q: Scientist and non-scientist, living or dead: Whom would you most like to meet?
A: Scientist: E. O. (Edward Osborne) Wilson, an American biologist, naturalist and writer as well as a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner (1979 and again in 1991). Wilson, 82, remains an active conservationist trying to save the planet from deforestation. He began his journey into science, and found many clues to human behavior, by studying his lifelong obsession: ants.
Nonscientist: Mick Jagger, the swaggering, iconic lead vocalist of the Rolling Stones, whose music Sprunt grew up listening to. Jagger, 68, first captured the public's imagination nearly 50 years ago and, together with Stones guitarist Keith Richards, penned such classic songs as "Satisfaction," "Play with Fire," "Mother's Little Helper" and scores more.
Q: What are you reading now?
A: "Life" an autobiography by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.
Q: Complete this sentence: We could make great strides in science, if we could just figure out _________.
A: "…how to adequately nurture public interest in science and the next generation of scientists in this country. I think we are struggling to interest our citizenry in science."
Q: What advice would you give someone just starting out in your field?
A: "Keep a perspective on the broader field in which you're working. Try to maintain a five-year perspective: Where do you want to be in five years? Do you want to be an academic scientist? Work in a corporate environment? Become a government researcher? "
"It's easy for graduate students and young scientists to become focused on next week or next month and the next review, and adopt a very limited perspective."
Q: What keeps you awake at night?
A: "The usual set of worries: Am I doing the right thing with my job and family and career? And financial worries. The usual stuff."
Q: Your favorite quote:
A: "This is something I keep on me; I actually do keep it in my wallet. It's was written by (playwright) Tennessee Williams (1911 – 1983): 'The greatest difference between people in this world isn't between the rich and the poor or the good and the evil. The biggest of all difference is between the ones who had or have pleasure and love and those who have not had or have any pleasure and love.' "
Q: Parting thoughts on science today:
A: "Science is a very fulfilling intellectual endeavor and a constant challenge. Even though there are times when you may be very impatient about your results, you're always motivated."
Date posted: July 2011
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